CHARLOTTE - Two candidates for a vacant seat on the Eaton County Board of Commissioners were separated by 10 votes, according to unofficial election results with 100% of precincts reporting.

The election swung the partisan majority of the 15-member board Republican, breaking a 7-7 tie.

Republican Andy Shaver of Charlotte defeated Democrat Rob Piercefield, 862 to 852 votes for the rural district that includes Sunfield, Roxand, Vermontville, and Chester townships, according to the Eaton County Clerk's Office.

The District 1 seat was vacated by former Republican Commissioner Tim Barnes, who resigned for personal reasons.

Barnes resigned after being re-elected to the commission in the November 2024 election, leaving the board without a majority. Currently, there are seven Republicans and s

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